Summer 2026: Refugee Field Work Intern (Unpaid)

Company: International Rescue Committee
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 51 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments . SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Refugee Field Work intern will be instrumental in helping newly arrived refugees, and other refugees who are facing significant barriers to connect to a ppropriate services in San Diego. The intern will support Caseworkers, refugee clients directly, and will a ssist with ongoing projects within the Resettlement Department. The Resettlement Department consists of two programs: Reception & Placement, and Afghan Newcomer Support Program. Interns can request to work with specific programs, or to a ssist both. RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist Caseworkers with airport pickups for newly arriving refugee families. Assist with setting up the apartments of families scheduled to arrive to San Diego, including shopping for a set list of items. Take clients to the bank to open accounts or withdraw money. Help clients enroll in services, in-person or remotely. Accompany clients on bus/metro trips to help them learn routes on the San Diego public transit system. Develop guides and learning materials for client use (examples: healthcare navigation, food banks, local community guides, etc.) Organize long-term projects or resources that will benefit the livelihoods of refugee clients. Provide ongoing office support for the Resettlement department including preparing case files, writing and emailing on behalf of clients, maintaining supplies, and welcoming guests. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Student will learn about service plans, and the essential steps of setting up new refugee families for success in San Diego ' Student will learn about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the resettlement process. Student will learn more about the populations of refugees in San Diego. Students will learn about the essential functions of a non-profit office needed to help programs continue to run. REQUIREMENTS: Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Master’s program focused on Education, International Relations/Development, Social Work, or related field Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude . Excellent organizational skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate. Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs. English fluency . 1 years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred. A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is . Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment. Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred) Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel regularly in the area (daytime and nighttime hours) This position reports to the Casework Supervisor Compensation : This is an unpaid internship opportunity. Working Environment: The Refugee Field Work Internship is in-person at the San Diego Office in El Cajon. San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am- 4:30pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability . PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct . Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding , Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients. Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Keywords: International Rescue Committee, Cerritos , Summer 2026: Refugee Field Work Intern (Unpaid), Administration, Clerical , San Diego, California